Solar roofing system

ABSTRACT

A system includes a photovoltaic module having photovoltaic cells, each having a width, and a roofing shingle having an exposure zone and a headlap zone. A plurality of slots extends from the exposure zone to the headlap zone and define tooth portions. A first one of the tooth portions has a first side defined by a first slot and a second side defined by a second slot adjacent to the first slot. The first tooth portion has a first width that is the photovoltaic cell width multiplied by a first positive integer. A second tooth portion has a first side defined by a third slot and a second side defined by a fourth slot adjacent to the third slot. The second tooth portion has a second width that is the photovoltaic cell width multiplied by a second positive integer different than the first positive integer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Section 111(a) application relating to andclaiming the benefit of commonly-owned, U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 63/091,017, filed Oct. 13, 2020, entitled “SOLARROOFING SYSTEM,” the contents of which are incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to solar roofing systems includingroof-integrated photovoltaic modules and roofing shingles. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to solar roofing systemsincluding roof-integrated photovoltaic modules and roofing shingleshaving elements with matching widths.

BACKGROUND

Solar modules can be placed on building roofs (e.g., residential roofs)to generate electricity. One obstacle to mass-market adoption of solarroofing is poor aesthetics. Standard rack-mounted photovoltaic (“PV”)systems have a very different appearance than traditional roofingmaterials (e.g., asphalt shingles, wooden shingles, slate shingles,etc.), which can draw unwanted attention. Even low-profile PV systemsstill receive poor aesthetic feedback from consumers.

Specifically, typical PV module materials and circuit formations includePV elements having a constant width and a grid-like appearance, whiletypical roofing shingles include elements having irregular viewedwidths, causing the PV modules not to visually match the look ofstandard roofing shingles.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a system, comprising a photovoltaic modulecomprising a plurality of photovoltaic cells, wherein each of theplurality of photovoltaic cells has a photovoltaic cell width; and aroofing shingle having a top surface and a bottom surface, the roofingshingle having an exposure zone at a lower end of the top surface and aheadlap zone at an upper end of the top surface, wherein a plurality ofslots extends from the lower end toward the headlap zone, wherein theplurality of slots defines a plurality of tooth portions therebetween,wherein a first one of the plurality of tooth portions has a first sidethat is defined by a first one of the plurality of slots and a secondside that is defined by a second one of the plurality of slots that isadjacent to the first one of the plurality of slots, wherein the firstone of the plurality of tooth portions has a first width that ismeasured from the first one of the plurality of slots to the second oneof the plurality of slots, wherein the first width is the photovoltaiccell width multiplied by a first positive integer, wherein a second oneof the plurality of tooth portions has a first side that is defined by athird one of the plurality of slots and a second side that is defined bya fourth one of the plurality of slots that is adjacent to the third oneof the plurality of slots, wherein the second one of the plurality oftooth portions has a second width that is measured from the third one ofthe plurality of slots to the fourth one of the plurality of slots, andwherein the second width is the photovoltaic cell width multiplied by asecond positive integer that is different than the first positiveinteger.

In some embodiments, a third one of the plurality of tooth portions hasa first side that is defined by a fifth one of the plurality of slotsand a second side that is defined by a sixth one of the plurality ofslots that is adjacent to the fifth one of the plurality of slots, andwherein the third one of the plurality of tooth portions has a thirdwidth that is measured from the fifth one of the plurality of slots tothe sixth one of the plurality of slots, wherein the third width is thephotovoltaic cell width multiplied by 0.5 and by a third positiveinteger that is different than the first positive integer and differentthan the second positive integer. In some embodiments, each of the firstand second positive integers is selected from the group consisting of 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20.In some embodiments, the roofing shingle comprises thermoplastic olefin,polyvinyl chloride, or asphalt. In some embodiments, the top surface ofthe roofing shingle comprises embedded granules.

In some embodiments, a third one of the plurality of tooth portions hasa first side that is defined by a fifth one of the plurality of slotsand a second side that is defined by one of either (a) the first side,or (b) the second side, and wherein the third one of the plurality oftooth portions has a third width that is measured from the fifth one ofthe plurality of slots to the one of either the first side or the secondside, wherein the third width is the photovoltaic cell width multipliedby 0.5 and by a third positive integer that is different than the firstpositive integer and different than the second positive integer.

In some embodiments, the system further includes a second roofingshingle having a top surface and a bottom surface, the second roofingshingle having an exposure zone at a lower end of the top surface of thesecond roofing shingle and a headlap zone at an upper end of the topsurface of the second roofing shingle, wherein a plurality of slotsextends from the lower end of the second roofing shingle toward theheadlap zone of the second roofing shingle, wherein the plurality ofslots of the second roofing shingle defines a plurality of toothportions therebetween, wherein a first one of the plurality of toothportions of the second roofing shingle has a first side that is definedby a first one of the plurality of slots of the second roofing shingleand a second side that is defined by a second one of the plurality ofslots of the second roofing shingle that is adjacent to the first one ofthe plurality of slots of the second roofing shingle, wherein the firstone of the plurality of tooth portions of the second roofing shingle hasa third width that is measured from the first one of the plurality ofslots of the second roofing shingle to the second one of the pluralityof slots of the second roofing shingle, wherein the third width is thephotovoltaic cell width multiplied by a third positive integer, whereina second one of the plurality of tooth portions of the second roofingshingle has a first side that is defined by a third one of the pluralityof slots of the second roofing shingle and a second side that is definedby a fourth one of the plurality of slots of the second roofing shinglethat is adjacent to the third one of the plurality of slots of thesecond roofing shingle, wherein the second one of the plurality of toothportions of the second roofing shingle has a fourth width that ismeasured from the third one of the plurality of slots of the secondroofing shingle to the fourth one of the plurality of slots of thesecond roofing shingle, and wherein the fourth width is the photovoltaiccell width multiplied by a fourth positive integer that is differentthan the third positive integer.

In some embodiments, an arrangement of the tooth portions of the secondroofing shingle is not identical to an arrangement of the tooth portionsof the roofing shingle. In some embodiments, an arrangement of the toothportions of the second roofing shingle is identical to an arrangement ofthe tooth portions of the roofing shingle. In some embodiments, thethird one of the plurality of slots is a same one of the plurality ofslots as the second one of the plurality of slots, and wherein the firstone of the plurality of tooth portions is adjacent to the second one ofthe plurality of tooth portions.

In some embodiments, the system further includes a wireway configured tobe positioned between the photovoltaic module and a further photovoltaicmodule that is adjacent to the photovoltaic module, wherein the wirewayis configured to enclose at least one electrical cable, wherein a widthof the wireway as measured in a horizontal direction between thephotovoltaic module and the further photovoltaic module is thephotovoltaic cell width multiplied by two, wherein the wireway includesa dark colored portion and a light colored portion, and wherein thelight colored portion extends across the wireway in a vertical directionthat is perpendicular to the horizontal direction. In some embodiments,the light-colored portion is positioned at an edge of the wireway thatis adjacent to the photovoltaic module. In some embodiments, thelight-colored portion is positioned halfway intermediate (1) an edge ofthe wireway that is adjacent to the photovoltaic module and (2) an edgeof the wireway that is adjacent to the further photovoltaic module. Insome embodiments, the wireway further comprises a further light coloredportion extending across a bottom edge of the wireway in the horizontaldirection.

In some embodiments, a roofing shingle includes a top surface and abottom surface, the roofing shingle having an exposure zone at a lowerend of the top surface and a headlap zone at an upper end of the topsurface, wherein the roofing shingle is configured to be installed on aroof adjacent to a photovoltaic module including a plurality ofphotovoltaic cells, wherein each of the plurality of photovoltaic cellshas a photovoltaic cell width, wherein a plurality of slots extends fromthe lower end toward the headlap zone, wherein the plurality of slotsdefines a plurality of tooth portions therebetween, wherein a first oneof the plurality of tooth portions has a first side that is defined by afirst one of the plurality of slots and a second side that is defined bya second one of the plurality of slots that is adjacent to the first oneof the plurality of slots, wherein the first one of the plurality oftooth portions has a first width that is measured from the first one ofthe plurality of slots to the second one of the plurality of slots,wherein the first width is the photovoltaic cell width multiplied by afirst positive integer, wherein a second one of the plurality of toothportions has a first side that is defined by a third one of theplurality of slots and a second side that is defined by a fourth one ofthe plurality of slots that is adjacent to the third one of theplurality of slots, wherein the second one of the plurality of toothportions has a second width that is measured from the third one of theplurality of slots to the fourth one of the plurality of slots, andwherein the second width is the photovoltaic cell width multiplied by asecond positive integer that is different than the first positiveinteger.

In some embodiments, a third one of the plurality of tooth portions hasa first side that is defined by a fifth one of the plurality of slotsand a second side that is defined by a sixth one of the plurality ofslots that is adjacent to the fifth one of the plurality of slots,wherein the third one of the plurality of tooth portions has a thirdwidth that is measured from the fifth one of the plurality of slots tothe sixth one of the plurality of slots, and wherein the third width isthe photovoltaic cell width multiplied by a third positive integer thatis different than the first positive integer and different than thesecond positive integer. In some embodiments, each of the first andsecond positive integers is selected from the group consisting of 1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20. Insome embodiments, the roofing shingle comprises thermoplastic olefin,polyvinyl chloride, or asphalt. In some embodiments, the top surface ofthe roofing shingle comprises embedded granules. In some embodiments, athird one of the plurality of tooth portions has a first side that isdefined by a fifth one of the plurality of slots and a second side thatis defined by one of either (a) the first side, or (b) the second side,and wherein the third one of the plurality of tooth portions has a thirdwidth that is measured from the fifth one of the plurality of slots tothe one of either the first side or the second side, wherein the thirdwidth is the photovoltaic cell width multiplied by a third positiveinteger that is different than the first positive integer and differentthan the second positive integer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary PV module.

FIG. 2A shows a schematic view of elements of a layered structure of anexemplary PV module before lamination.

FIG. 2B shows a schematic view of a layered structure of an exemplary PVmodule formed by lamination of the elements shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary roofing shingle.

FIG. 4A shows a first variant of an exemplary roofing shingle.

FIG. 4B shows a second variant of an exemplary roofing shingle.

FIG. 4C shows a third variant of an exemplary roofing shingle.

FIG. 4D shows a fourth variant of an exemplary roofing shingle.

FIG. 5 shows exemplary embodiments of a PV module.

FIG. 6A shows an exemplary embodiment of a wireway.

FIG. 6B shows an exemplary embodiment of a wireway.

FIG. 6C shows an exemplary embodiment of a wireway.

FIGS. 6D through 6F show another exemplary embodiment of a wireway.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of a masking element.

FIG. 8A shows an exemplary embodiment of a roofing system.

FIG. 8B shows a magnified view of a first portion of the roofing systemof FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C shows a magnified view of a second portion of the roofing systemof FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8D shows a magnified view of a third portion of the roofing systemof FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8E shows a magnified view of a fourth portion of the roofing systemof FIG. 8A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will be further explained with reference to theattached drawings, wherein like structures are referred to by likenumerals throughout the several views. The drawings shown are notnecessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed uponillustrating the principles of the present invention. Further, somefeatures may be exaggerated to show details of particular components.

The figures constitute a part of this specification and includeillustrative embodiments of the present invention and illustrate variousobjects and features thereof. Further, the figures are not necessarilyto scale, some features may be exaggerated to show details of particularcomponents. In addition, any measurements, specifications and the likeshown in the figures are intended to be illustrative, and notrestrictive. Therefore, specific structural and functional detailsdisclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as arepresentative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the present invention.

Among those benefits and improvements that have been disclosed, otherobjects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from thefollowing description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures. Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely illustrative of the invention that may be embodied in variousforms. In addition, each of the examples given in connection with thevarious embodiments of the invention which are intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive.

Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take themeanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. The phrases “in one embodiment” and “in someembodiments” as used herein do not necessarily refer to the sameembodiment(s), though they may. Furthermore, the phrases “in anotherembodiment” and “in some other embodiments” as used herein do notnecessarily refer to a different embodiment, although they may. Thus, asdescribed below, various embodiments of the invention may be readilycombined, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

The term “based on” is not exclusive and allows for being based onadditional factors not described, unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise. In addition, throughout the specification, the meaning of“a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references. The meaning of “in”includes “in” and “on.”

The exemplary embodiments relate to a roofing system having elements(e.g., roofing shingles, PV modules, wireways, and masking elements)having visual elements the width of which is harmonized around aconstant base width. In some embodiments, the constant base width is acell pitch. In some embodiments, the cell pitch is defined as the widthof a PV element plus the width of a space that exists between twoadjacent PV elements. In some embodiments, such harmonization provides aconsistent and blended aesthetic appearance across such a roofingsystem, as will be discussed in further detail hereinafter.

In some embodiments, a solar roofing system includes at least one PVmodule and at least one roofing shingle. In some embodiments, each ofthe at least one PV modules includes a plurality of PV cells. In someembodiments, each of the PV cells has a PV cell width that is the samefor all of the PV cells. In some embodiments, the cell width is a“half-cut” width, e.g., the width of a premanufactured PV cell that hasbeen cut in half.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary PV module 100. The exemplary PV module 100includes a headlap region 110 and a PV region 120. In some embodiments,the headlap region 110 comprises thermoplastic olefin (“TPO”), polyvinylchloride (“PVC”), or asphalt. In some embodiments, the headlap region110 includes embedded granules. In some embodiments, the headlap region110 defines a nailing line 112 extending across the headlap region 110.In some embodiments, the nailing line 112 extends across the headlapregion 110 approximately midway between the end of the headlap region110 that borders the PV region and the opposite end of the headlapregion 110. In some embodiments, the nailing line 112 defines an area ofthe headlap region 110 through which mechanical fasteners (e.g., nails,screws, etc.) can be driven to secure the PV module 100 to a roof deckin the standard manner.

In some embodiments, the PV region 120 includes a plurality of PVportions 122. In some embodiments, each of the PV portions 122 includesa layered structure that is typical of a laminate PV module, asdiscussed below with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B. In some embodiments,the PV region 120 includes grooves 124 separating adjacent ones of thePV portions. In some embodiments, each of the PV portions 122 isseparately formed from others of the PV portions 122, and the grooves124 are formed by spaces between adjacent ones of the PV portions 122.In some embodiments, the PV portions 122 forming the PV region 120 areintegrally formed with one another (e.g., form a single layeredstructure) and the grooves 124 are formed in a superstrate layerthereof. In some embodiments, the grooves 124 between adjacent ones ofthe PV portions 122 provide the appearance of discrete portions similarto those of conventional shingles. In some embodiments, the PV region120 is formed atop material of the headlap region 110 (e.g., thesubstrate of the PV region 120 is deposited on the material of theheadlap region 110). In some embodiments, the PV region 120 and theheadlap region 110 join one another end-to-end.

In some embodiments, the PV module 100 includes a junction box 130. Insome embodiments, the junction box 130 is positioned at an end of theheadlap region 110 that is opposite the PV region 120. In someembodiments, the junction box 130 is positioned at a center of an end ofthe headlap region 110 that is opposite the PV region 120. In someembodiments, the junction box 130 is electrically connected to the PVregion 120 by electrical connectors (e.g., wires) that traverse (e.g.,pass under or through) the headlap region 110.

In some embodiments, such as the PV module 100 discussed above withreference to FIG. 1 , an exemplary PV module includes a layeredstructure. FIGS. 2A and 2B show an exemplary embodiment of a layeredstructure 200 that, in some embodiments, forms part of an exemplary PVmodule.

FIG. 2A shows an exploded view of the layers of the layered structure200 prior to lamination to form the layered structure 200. FIG. 2B showsthe layered structure following lamination. It will be apparent to thoseof skill in the art that FIGS. 2A and 2B present schematic views of thelayered structure 200 and are not intended to provide a to-scalerepresentation.

Referring now to FIG. 2A, in some embodiments, the layered structure 200includes a superstrate layer 210 that forms an upper surface of thelayered structure 200 and of the PV module 100 (i.e., the surface that,when the PV module 100 is installed on a roof, faces away from the roofand toward the sun). In some embodiments, the superstrate layer 210 hasan upper surface 212 (i.e., the side of the superstrate layer 210 thatfaces toward the sun when installed as described above) and a lowersurface 214 opposite the upper surface 212. In some embodiments, thesuperstrate layer 210 is optically transparent (e.g., it has a solarweighted transmittance of 80% or greater). In some embodiments, thesuperstrate provides electrical insulation and moisture resistance. Insome embodiments, the superstrate layer 210 comprises a glass material,such as low-iron solar glass. In some embodiments, the superstrate layer210 comprises a polymeric material such as ethylene tetrafluoroethylene(“ETFE”), polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”), or an acrylic such aspolymethyl methacrylate (“PMMA”). In some embodiments, the superstratelayer 210 has a thickness of from 50 microns to 250 microns. In someembodiments, the superstrate layer 210 has a thickness of from 50microns to 200 microns. In some embodiments, the superstrate layer 210has a thickness of from 50 microns to 150 microns. In some embodiments,the superstrate layer 210 has a thickness of from 50 microns to 100microns. In some embodiments, the superstrate layer 210 has a thicknessof from 100 microns to 250 microns. In some embodiments, the superstratelayer 210 has a thickness of from 100 microns to 200 microns. In someembodiments, the superstrate layer 210 has a thickness of from 100microns to 150 microns. In some embodiments, the superstrate layer 210has a thickness of from 150 microns to 250 microns. In some embodiments,the superstrate layer 210 has a thickness of from 150 microns to 200microns. In some embodiments, the superstrate layer 210 has a thicknessof from 200 microns to 250 microns.

In some embodiments, the superstrate layer 210 has a thickness of from200 microns to 500 microns. In some embodiments, the superstrate layer210 has a thickness of from 200 microns to 450 microns. In someembodiments, the superstrate layer 210 has a thickness of from 200microns to 400 microns. In some embodiments, the superstrate layer 210has a thickness of from 200 microns to 350 microns. In some embodiments,the superstrate layer 210 has a thickness of from 200 microns to 300microns. In some embodiments, the superstrate layer 210 has a thicknessof from 250 microns to 500 microns. In some embodiments, the superstratelayer 210 has a thickness of from 250 microns to 450 microns. In someembodiments, the superstrate layer 210 has a thickness of from 250microns to 400 microns. In some embodiments, the superstrate layer 210has a thickness of from 250 microns to 350 microns. In some embodiments,the superstrate layer 210 has a thickness of from 250 microns to 300microns. In some embodiments, the superstrate layer 210 has a thicknessof from 300 microns to 500 microns. In some embodiments, the superstratelayer 210 has a thickness of from 300 microns to 500 microns. In someembodiments, the superstrate layer 210 has a thickness of from 300microns to 450 microns. In some embodiments, the superstrate layer 210has a thickness of from 300 microns to 400 microns. In some embodiments,the superstrate layer 210 has a thickness of from 300 microns to 350microns. In some embodiments, the superstrate layer 210 has a thicknessof from 350 microns to 500 microns. In some embodiments, the superstratelayer 210 has a thickness of from 350 microns to 450 microns. In someembodiments, the superstrate layer 210 has a thickness of from 350microns to 400 microns. In some embodiments, the superstrate layer 210has a thickness of from 400 microns to 500 microns. In some embodiments,the superstrate layer 210 has a thickness of from 400 microns to 450microns. In some embodiments, the superstrate layer 210 has a thicknessof from 450 microns to 500 microns. In some embodiments, the superstratelayer 210 has a thickness of from 325 microns to 375 microns. In someembodiments, the superstrate layer 210 has a thickness of about 300microns. In some embodiments, the superstrate layer 210 has a thicknessof 300 microns.

In some embodiments, the superstrate layer 210 has a thickness of from1.6 millimeters to 4 millimeters. In some embodiments, the superstratelayer 210 has a thickness of from 1.6 millimeters to 3.2 millimeters. Insome embodiments, the superstrate layer 210 has a thickness of from 1.6millimeters to 2.4 millimeters. In some embodiments, the superstratelayer 210 has a thickness of from 2.4 millimeters to 4 millimeters. Insome embodiments, the superstrate layer 210 has a thickness of from 2.4millimeters to 3.2 millimeters. In some embodiments, the superstratelayer 210 has a thickness of from 3.2 millimeters to 4 millimeters. Insome embodiments, the superstrate layer 210 has a thickness of from 2.8millimeters to 3.6 millimeters. In some embodiments, the superstratelayer 210 has a thickness of from 3 millimeters to 3.4 millimeters. Insome embodiments, the superstrate layer 210 has a thickness of from 3.1millimeters to 3.3 millimeters. In some embodiments, the superstratelayer 210 has a thickness about 3.2 millimeters. In some embodiments,the superstrate layer 210 has a thickness of 3.2 millimeters.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 2A, in some embodiments, the layeredstructure 200 includes an upper encapsulant layer 220. In someembodiments, the upper encapsulant layer 220 has an upper surface 222and a lower surface 224 opposite the upper surface 222. In someembodiments, the upper surface 222 of the upper encapsulant layer 220contacts the lower surface 214 of the superstrate layer 210. In someembodiments, the upper encapsulant layer 220 is optically transparent(e.g., it has a solar weighted transmittance of 80% or greater). In someembodiments, the upper encapsulant layer provides electrical insulation.In some embodiments, the upper encapsulant layer 220 comprises anencapsulating material such as ethylene-co-vinyl acetate (“EVA”),polydimethyl siloxane (“PDMS”), a polyolefin elastomer (“POE”),polyvinyl butyral (“PVB”), polyurethane epoxy, silicone, or an ionomersuch as the series of ionomer-based encapsulants commercialized byDuPont de Nemours, Inc. under the trade name PV5400. In someembodiments, the thickness of the upper encapsulant layer 220 variesacross the layered structure 200, as will be discussed in greater detailhereinafter.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 2A, in some embodiments, the layeredstructure 200 includes a PV layer 230 having an upper surface 232 and alower surface 234 opposite the upper surface 232. In some embodiments,the upper surface 232 of the PV layer 230 contacts the lower surface 224of the upper encapsulant layer 220. In some embodiments, the PV layer230 includes at least one PV element 236 (e.g., at least one PV cellhaving a constant PV cell width 237 as described above). In someembodiments, the PV layer 230 includes an array of PV elements 236. Insome embodiments in which the PV layer 230 includes a plurality of thePV element 236, the PV elements 236 are electrically interconnected withone another. In some embodiments, the PV layer 230 includes an array ofinterconnected PV elements 236. In some embodiments, gaps are formedbetween adjacent ones of the PV elements 236. In some embodiments, thegaps are significantly smaller than the PV elements 236; for example, insome embodiments, a width of each of the PV elements 236 is 160millimeters and the gaps are from 2 millimeters to 5 millimeters insize. In some embodiments, the PV layer 230 also includes other activeand/or passive electronic components.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 2A, in some embodiments, the layeredstructure 200 includes a lower encapsulant layer 240 having an uppersurface 242 and a lower surface 244 opposite the upper surface 242. Insome embodiments, the upper surface 242 of the lower encapsulant layer240 contacts the lower surface 234 of the PV layer 230. In someembodiments, the lower encapsulant layer 240 provides electricalinsulation. In some embodiments, the lower encapsulant layer 240 isoptically transparent. In some embodiments, the lower encapsulant layer240 is not optically transparent. In some embodiments, the thickness ofthe lower encapsulant layer 240 is in the range of 100 to 1000 microns.In some embodiments, the thickness of the lower encapsulant layer 240 issufficiently large (e.g., greater than 100 microns) so as to preventdelamination between the PV layer 230 and the substrate 250. In someembodiments, the thickness of the lower encapsulant layer 240 isconsistent across the entirety of the layered structure 200. In someembodiments, the lower encapsulant layer 240 comprises an encapsulatingmaterial such as ethylene-co-vinyl acetate (“EVA”), polydimethylsiloxane (“PDMS”), a polyolefin elastomer (“POE”), polyvinyl butyral(“PVB”), polyurethane epoxy, silicone, or an ionomer such as the seriesof ionomer-based encapsulants commercialized by DuPont de Nemours, Inc.under the trade name PV5400. In some embodiments, the lower encapsulantlayer 240 comprises the same encapsulating material as the upperencapsulant layer 220.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 2A, in some embodiments, the layeredstructure 200 includes a substrate 250 having an upper surface 252 and alower surface 254 opposite the lower surface 252. In some embodiments,the upper surface 252 of the substrate 250 contacts the lower surface244 of the lower encapsulant layer 240. In some embodiments, the lowersurface 254 of the substrate 250 forms the lower surface 204 of thelayered structure 200. In some embodiments, the substrate 250 provideselectrical insulation and moisture resistance. In some embodiments, thesubstrate 250 is optically transparent. In some embodiments, thesubstrate 250 is not optically transparent. In some embodiments, thesubstrate 250 comprises a glass material. In some embodiments, thesubstrate 250 comprises a polymeric material such as ETFE, PET, anacrylic such as PMMA, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”), or aglass-reinforced or fiber-reinforced composite such as a materialmeeting the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (“NEMA”)grades FR-4 or G-10. In some embodiments, the substrate 250 has athickness in the range of 200 microns to ¼ inch. In some embodiments,the substrate 250 is sufficiently rigid to provide mechanical stiffeningto the PV module 100.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, the layered structure 200 is shown followinglamination. In some embodiments, during the lamination process, theencapsulating material of the upper encapsulant layer 220 and theencapsulating material of the lower encapsulant layer 240 are melted andflow within the gaps between adjacent ones of the PV elements 236 shownin FIG. 2A, thereby encapsulating (e.g., surrounding on all sides) eachof the PV elements 236 with encapsulating material. In some embodiments,as a result of this process, the PV layer 230 includes encapsulantportions 238 located between adjacent ones of the PV elements 236, andproviding continuity between the encapsulating material of the upperencapsulant layer 220 and the encapsulating material of the lowerencapsulant layer 240. In some embodiments, the resulting region of thelayered structure 200 (e.g., the upper encapsulant layer 220, the PVlayer 230, and the lower encapsulant layer 240) resembles a single blockof encapsulant material with the PV elements positioned therein.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary roofing shingle 300. In some embodiments, theroofing shingle 300 comprises thermoplastic olefin (“TPO”), polyvinylchloride (“PVC”), or asphalt. In some embodiments, roofing shingle 300includes embedded granules. In some embodiments, the roofing shingle 300includes a top end 302, a bottom end 304, a first side 306, and a secondside. In some embodiments, the roofing shingle 300 includes a headlapregion 310 adjacent the top end 302 and a tooth region 320 adjacent thebottom end 304. In some embodiments, the headlap region 310 defines anailing line 312 extending across the headlap region 310. In someembodiments, the nailing line 312 extends across the headlap region 310approximately midway between the end of the headlap region 310 thatborders the tooth region 320 and the opposite end of the headlap region110. In some embodiments, the nailing line 312 defines an area of theheadlap region 310 through which mechanical fasteners (e.g., nails,screws, etc.) can be driven to secure the roofing shingle 300 to a roofdeck in the standard manner.

In some embodiments, the tooth region 320 includes a plurality of slots322 that are spaced apart along the width of the tooth region 320 fromthe first side 306 to the second side, and extend from the bottom end304 toward the top end 302. In some embodiments, each of the slots 322has a width that is the same as, or is similar to, the gaps betweenadjacent ones of the PV elements 236 in the PV module 100. In someembodiments, the width of each of the slots 322 is ½ inch. In someembodiments, the width of each of the slots 322 is 6 millimeters. Insome embodiments, the first side 306, the slots 322, and the second sidedefine a plurality of tooth portions 324, 326, 328, 330, 332, 334therebetween. The exemplary roofing shingle 300 shown in FIG. 3 includessix (6) of the tooth portions 324, 326, 328, 330, 332, 334, but it willbe apparent to those of skill in the art that various embodiments of theroofing shingle 300 may have any other number of tooth portions. In someembodiments, the width of the tooth portions 324, 326, 328, 330, 332,334 is variable, e.g., for a given instance of the roofing shingle 300,a first one of the tooth portions (e.g., tooth portion 324) has a firstwidth, and a second one of the tooth portions (e.g., tooth portion 326)has a second width that is different than the first width. In someembodiments, each of the tooth portions 324, 326, 328, 330, 332, 334 hasa width that is an integer multiple of the PV cell width 237 (e.g., isequal to the PV cell width 237, or is two times, or three times, or fourtimes, or five times, or six times, or seven times, or eight times, ornine times, or ten times, or eleven times, or twelve times, or thirteentimes, or fourteen times, or fifteen times, or sixteen times, orseventeen times, or eighteen times, or nineteen times, or twenty timesthe PV cell width 237).

In some embodiments, different ones of the exemplary roofing shingle 300have differently sized and differently arranged tooth portions. Forexample, in some embodiments, a manufacturer of the roofing shingle 300may manufacture different versions of the roofing shingle 300 so as toprovide a roofing system including a plurality of the roofing shingle300 that differ from one another so as to provide a non-uniformappearance to the roofing system. FIGS. 4A-4D show different variants410, 420, 430, and 440 of the exemplary roofing shingle 300. In someembodiments, each of the variants 410, 420, 430, and 440 has a pluralityof tooth portions that vary in width among the different tooth portionsof any given one of the variants 410, 420, 430, and 440, and the widthsof all tooth portions are integer multiples of the PV cell width 237. Insome embodiments, each of the variants 410, 420, 430, and 440 has toothportions that differ in arrangement as compared to those of the othersof the variants 410, 420, 430, and 440. In some embodiments, amanufacturer of the roofing shingle 300 may manufacture a suitablenumber of different variants so as to impart a random appearance to aroofing system incorporating such variants. For example, in someembodiments, a roofing system includes four of the variants 410, 420,430, and 440, as shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, but it will be apparent to thoseof skill in the art that this is only exemplary, and that any othernumber of variants may be produced.

In some embodiments, the roofing shingle 300 is composed of a singlelayer. In some embodiments, the roofing shingle 300 is composed ofmultiple layers. In some embodiments, the roofing shingle 300 islaminated.

As discussed above, in some embodiments, the assembled PV module 100includes a plurality of PV elements 236 that are spaced apart by aquantity of encapsulant portions 238 that are positioned between the PVelements 236 as part of the lamination process. In some embodiments, thespace between the PV elements 236 that is formed in this manner isreferred to as a “cell gap”. In some embodiments, due to uniform sizingand spacing of the PV elements 236, the PV elements 236 and the cellgaps therebetween provide a uniform, grid-like appearance. In someembodiments, to provide a non-uniform appearance, the cell gap isselectively revealed or hidden.

FIG. 5 shows PV elements 500 forming PV modules 510, 520, 530. Forclarity, the PV elements 500 are substantially the only elements of thePV modules 510, 520, 530 shown in FIG. 5 , but it will be apparent tothose of skill in the art that the PV modules 510, 520, 530 will includeother elements as described above. Also for clarity, only one of the PVelements 500 forming each of the PV modules 510, 520, 530 isspecifically called out in FIG. 5 , but it will be apparent to those ofskill in the art that discussion of the PV elements 500 may refer to anyof the PV elements 500 forming the PV modules 510, 520, 530, whether ornot specifically identified in FIG. 5 .

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5 , each of the PV modules 510,520, 530 includes sixteen (16) of the PV elements 500 that are“half-cut” cells having a width of about 90 mm and a cell gap of about 4mm between adjacent ones of the PV elements, thereby to produce the PVmodules 510, 520, 530 that are 60 inches wide, but it will be apparentto those of skill in the art that these dimensions are only exemplary.In some embodiments, the PV modules 510, 520, 530 include portions 512,522, 532, respectively, of a color-contrasting material positionedbehind the PV elements 500 (e.g., positioned in or on the PV modules510, 520, 530 so as to be positioned between the PV elements and a roofdeck to which the PV modules 510, 520, 530 are installed). In someembodiments, the color-contrasting material comprises a patternedbacksheet. In some embodiments, the color-contrasting material comprisesa cloaking tape. As shown in FIG. 5 , the inclusion of the portions 512,522, 532 at different locations within the PV modules 510, 520, 530provides a non-uniform appearance to the PV modules 510, 520, 530,despite each of the PV modules 510, 520, 530 having the same arrangementof the PV elements. Though FIG. 5 shows three of the PV modules 510,520, 530 having different arrangements of the portions 512, 522, 532, itwill be apparent to those of skill in the art that any number ofdifferent arrangements are possible without departing from the generalconcept embodied by the PV modules 510, 520, 530. Throughout thisdisclosure, the PV module 510 is indicated when it is desired toreference a PV module having color-contrasting material applied to theboundaries between some of the PV elements 500 so as to provide anon-uniform appearance as described above, but such reference to the PVmodule 510 is intended to refer to any of the PV modules 510, 520, 530,or any other PV module having such features.

In some embodiments, an exemplary solar roofing system includes wirewaysthat are positioned between PV modules and are configured to encloseelectrical cables that connect to the PV modules. In some embodiments,to facilitate providing an aesthetic appearance that is consistent bothfor the PV modules and the roofing shingles that form a solar roofingsystem, an exemplary solar roofing system includes wireways having awidth that is matched to a width of the PV elements within the PVmodules. FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C show embodiments of an exemplary wireway600 having an upper end 602, a lower end 604, a first side 606, and asecond side 608. In some embodiments, the exemplary wireway 600 isconfigured to be installed on a roof deck such that the lower end 604 isat a lower elevation than is the upper end 602. In some embodiments, theexemplary wireway 600 has a width as measured in a horizontal directionfrom the first side 606 to the second side 608 that is equal to aninteger multiple of the PV cell width 237 for PV elements 236 that areused in the same solar roofing system as the exemplary wireway 600. Insome embodiments, the width of the wireway 600 is two times the PV cellwidth 237. In some embodiments, the wireway 600 is rounded (e.g., so asto be concave on the side that faces the roof deck) to provide space toaccommodate electrical cables and to soften the appearance of thewireway 600. In some embodiments, the top surface of the wireway 600(e.g., the side that faces away from the roof deck) includes at leastone dark-colored portion and at least one light-colored portion.

In some embodiments, the at least one light-colored portion includes ahorizontal light-colored portion 610 extending across the wireway 600from the first side 606 to the second side 608 adjacent the lower end604. In some embodiments, a height of the horizontal light-coloredportion 610 (e.g., as measured in a vertical direction from the lowerend 604 toward the upper end 602) is equal to a creepage distance. Asused herein, the creepage distance is the shortest distance along thesurface of the insulating material between two conductive live parts orbetween conductive live parts and accessible part. For example, inembodiments detailed herein, the creepage distance is the shortestdistance along the surface of an insulative portion of the PV module 510between two conductive or accessible portions of the PV module 510. Insome embodiments, the creepage distance results in the appearance of alight-colored region along the long edges of the PV module 510.Consequently, in some embodiments, the sizing of the horizontallight-colored portion 610 as equal to the creepage distance providescontinuity of visual appearance between the wireway 600 and PV modules510 that are adjacent thereto. In some embodiments, the height of thehorizontal light-colored portion 610 is in a range of from 10millimeters to 30 millimeters. In some embodiments, the height of thehorizontal light-colored portion 610 is in a range of from 12.5millimeters to 27.5 millimeters. In some embodiments, the height of thehorizontal light-colored portion 610 is in a range of from 15millimeters to 25 millimeters. In some embodiments, the height of thehorizontal light-colored portion 610 is in a range of from 17.5millimeters to 22.5 millimeters. In some embodiments, the height of thehorizontal light-colored portion 610 is about 20 millimeters. In someembodiments, the height of the horizontal light-colored portion 610 is20 millimeters.

In some embodiments, the at least one light-colored portion includes avertical light-colored portion extending along the wireway 600 from theupper end 602 toward the lower end 604. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 6A, the vertical light-colored portion 612 extends along thewireway 600 and along the first side 606. In some embodiments, as shownin FIG. 6B, the vertical light-colored portion 614 extends along thewireway 600 and intermediate the first and second sides 606, 608. Insome embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6C, the vertical light-coloredportion 616 extends along the wireway 600 and along the second side 608.In some embodiments, the width of the vertical light-colored portion612, 614, 616 is about equal to (e.g., within plus or minus 25%) thewidth of a cell gap, as described above with reference to FIG. 5 . Insome embodiments, the width of the vertical light-colored portion 612,614, 616 is equal to the width of a cell gap. In some embodiments, thewidth of the vertical light-colored portion 612, 614, 616 is 6 mm. Insome embodiments, the width of the vertical light-colored portion 612,614, 616 is about 6 mm. In some embodiments, the width of the verticallight-colored portion 612, 614, 616 is from 5 mm to 7 mm. In someembodiments, the width of the vertical light-colored portion 612, 614,616 is from 4 mm to 8 mm. In some embodiments, the width of the verticallight-colored portion 612, 614, 616 is from 3 mm to 9 mm. In someembodiments, the width of the vertical light-colored portion 612, 614,616 is from 3% of a width of the wireway 600 to 10% of the width of thewireway 600. In some embodiments, the vertical light-colored portion 612or 616 either provides a dark-colored region having a width that istwice the PV cell width 237. In some embodiments, the verticallight-colored portion 614 provides two dark-colored regions, each ofwhich has a width that is equal to the PV cell width 237. Accordingly,in some embodiments, vertical light-colored portions 612, 614, 616 causethe wireway to have an appearance that is consistent with those of theroofing shingle 300 and the PV module 510, thereby improving theconsistency, visual flow, and aesthetic appearance of a roofing systemincluding the wireway 600.

In some embodiments, an exemplary wireway 630, as shown in FIG. 6Dpositioned between adjacent PV modules, is substantially similar to thewireway 600 described above with reference to FIGS. 6A-6C, other than asdescribed hereinafter. In some embodiments, the wireway 630 has a flattop surface 632 and angled sides 634, 636. In some embodiments, the flattop surface 632 and angled sides 634, 636 of the wireway 630 define achannel 638 within the wireway 630 to provide space to accommodateelectrical cables. In some embodiments, the top surface of the wireway630 (e.g., the side that faces away from the roof deck) includes atleast one dark-colored portion and at least one light-colored portion.In some embodiments, the wireway 630 includes a horizontal light-coloredportion 640 that is substantially similar to the horizontallight-colored portion 610 of the wireway 600 described above. In someembodiments, the wireway 630 includes a vertical light-colored portion642. The vertical light-colored portion 642 shown in FIG. 6D extendsacross the top surface 632 of the wireway 630 intermediate the sides634, 636, in a manner similar to the vertical light-colored portion 614shown in FIG. 6B, but it will be apparent to those of skill in the artthat, in other embodiments, the vertical light-colored portion 642 ofthe wireway 630 may extend along either of the sides 634 or 636, in amanner similar to the vertical light-colored portions 612 and 616 shownin FIGS. 6A and 6C, respectively.

In some embodiments, an exemplary wireway 660, as shown in perspectivein FIG. 6E and in a front view in FIG. 6F, is substantially similar tothe wireway 600 described above with reference to FIGS. 6A-6C, otherthan as described hereinafter. In some embodiments, the wireway 660 hasa flat top 662 and sides 664, 666 that are substantially perpendicularto the flat top 662. In some embodiments, the flat top 662 and angledsides 664, 666 of the wireway 660 define a channel 668 within thewireway 660 to provide space to accommodate electrical cables. In someembodiments, the top surface of the wireway 660 (e.g., the side thatfaces away from the roof deck) includes at least one dark-coloredportion and at least one light-colored portion. In some embodiments, thewireway 660 includes a horizontal light-colored portion 670 that issubstantially similar to the horizontal light-colored portion 610 of thewireway 600 described above. In some embodiments, the wireway 660includes a vertical light-colored portion 672. The verticallight-colored portion 672 shown in FIG. 6E extends across the topsurface 632 of the wireway 630 along the side, in a manner similar tothe vertical light-colored portion 612 shown in FIG. 6A, but it will beapparent to those of skill in the art that, in other embodiments, thevertical light-colored portion 672 of the wireway 660 may extend alongthe side 636, in a manner similar to the vertical light-colored portion616 shown in FIG. 6C, or may extend across the top surface 632intermediate the sides 634, 636, in a manner similar to the verticallight-colored portion 614 shown in FIG. 6B.

In some embodiments, an exemplary roofing system includes a maskingelement applied to the border between adjacent PV modules. FIG. 7 showsan exemplary masking element 700 applied to the border between adjacentPV modules 710, 720 (e.g., the PV modules 510, 520, 530 as describedabove with reference to FIG. 5 ). In some embodiments, the maskingelement 700 is a dark color. In some embodiments, the masking element700 is black. In some embodiments, the masking element 700 is made froma polymeric material. In some embodiments, the masking element 700 ismade from a polymeric foam. In some embodiments, the masking element 700is made from expanded polyethylene (“EPE”). In some embodiments, themasking element 700 is used in connection with the PV modules 710, 720that have a high-contrast backsheet 730. In some embodiments, due to thehigh contrast of the backsheet 730, any color difference between themasking element 700 and the PV modules 710, 720 is swamped out, therebyhiding the boundary between the masking element 700 and the PV modules710, 720. In some embodiments, by hiding the boundary between adjacentPV modules, use of the masking element 700 reduces the uniform,grid-like appearance of a roofing system including the PV modules 710,720.

In some embodiments, a solar roofing system including one or more of theroofing shingle 300, the PV module 510, the wireway 600, and/or themasking element 700 provides an appearance that includes similar degreesand types of irregular/randomized appearance across all elements of theroofing system. In some embodiments, such a randomized appearance isharmonized around the cell pitch, i.e., the sum of the width of each PVcell and the cell gap. In some embodiments, such a similarly-randomizedappearance causes the various elements of the solar roofing system tovisually blend with one another, thereby providing a more aestheticallypleasing appearance to the overall solar roofing system

FIG. 8A shows an exemplary roofing system 800 that includes a pluralityof the roofing shingle 300, a plurality of the PV module 510, aplurality of the wireway 600, and a plurality of the masking element700. For clarity, only one of each of the elements noted above isspecifically identified by a reference numeral in FIG. 8A. FIG. 8B showsa magnified view of a portion of the roofing system 800 including aplurality of the roofing shingle 300, a plurality of the PV module 510,and a plurality of the wireway 600 separating adjacent ones of the PVmodule 510. FIG. 8C shows a magnified view of a portion of the roofingsystem 800 including a plurality of the roofing shingle 300, a pluralityof the PV module 510, and a plurality of the masking element 700 ones ofthe PV module 510 from adjacent ones of the roofing shingle 300. FIG. 8Dshows a magnified view of a portion of the roofing system 800 includinga plurality of the roofing shingle 300, a plurality of the PV module510, and a plurality of the wireway 600 separating ones of the PV module510 from adjacent ones of the roofing shingle 300. FIG. 8E shows amagnified view of a portion of the roofing system 800 including aplurality of the roofing shingle 300, a plurality of the PV module 510,and a plurality of the masking element 700 separating adjacent ones ofthe PV module 510. It may be seen from FIGS. 8A-8E that the roofingsystem 800 including a plurality of the roofing shingle 300, a pluralityof the PV module 510, a plurality of the wireway 600, and a plurality ofthe masking element 700 provides an aesthetic appearance in which thevarious elements of the roofing system 800 blend with one anotheraesthetically, rather than one in which the PV module 510 stands out. Itwill be apparent to those of skill in the art that the roofing system800 shown in FIGS. 8A-8E is only one exemplary manner of arranging aplurality of the roofing shingle 300, a plurality of the PV module 510,a plurality of the wireway 600, and a plurality of the masking element700, and that any number of other arrangements of these same elementsmay be made. It will be further apparent to those of skill in the artthat while the roofing system 800 shown in FIGS. 8A-8E includes all ofthe roofing shingle 300, the PV module 510, the wireway 600, and themasking element 700, the same or similar aesthetic effect may beaccomplished with a subset of these elements (including, but not limitedto, with the roofing shingle 300 and the PV module 510; with the roofingshingle 300, the PV module 510, and the wireway 600; or with the roofingshingle 300, the PV module 510, and the masking element 700).

In some embodiments, the various elements of the exemplary roofingsystem 800 mimic the water-shedding ability of a conventional roofshingle. In some embodiments, the various elements of the exemplaryroofing system can be affixed to a roof deck using typical roofingmethods such as nails or screws.

In some embodiments, the roofing system 800 also includes at least onestarter bar, a foot module, and a plurality of water shedding layers. Insome embodiments, the roofing shingle 300 and/or the PV module includesan upper portion and a lower portion and is configured to be installedsuch that the upper portion is at a higher elevation than the lowerportion. In some embodiments, the at least one starter bar is configuredto be installed to a roof deck and includes a foot base. In someembodiments, a first one of the water shedding layers is configured tobe installed over the foot base of the at least one starter bar, and atleast one other one of the water shedding layers is configured tooverlap and be installed over the first one of the plurality of watershedding layers. In some embodiments, the foot module is configured tobe attached to the upper portion of the PV module 510 and/or the roofingshingle 300. In some embodiments, the lower portion of the PV module 510and/or the roofing shingle 300 is adapted to align with the foot base ofthe at least one starter bar, and the foot module is configured to beaffixed to a last overlapping layer of the at least one of another ofthe first plurality of water shedding layers to the roof deck.

While a number of embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed, it is understood that these embodiments are illustrativeonly, and not restrictive, and that many modifications may becomeapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Further still, thevarious steps may be carried out in any desired order (and any desiredsteps may be added and/or any desired steps may be eliminated).

What is claimed is:
 1. A roofing system, comprising: (i) a plurality ofphotovoltaic modules, each of the plurality of photovoltaic modulesincludes a plurality of photovoltaic cells, wherein each of theplurality of photovoltaic cells has one constant photovoltaic cellwidth; and (ii) a plurality of roofing shingles proximate to theplurality of photovoltaic modules, wherein at least some of theplurality of roofing shingles having a top surface, a bottom surface, anexposure zone at a lower end of the top surface and a headlap zone at anupper end of the top surface, wherein a plurality of slots extends fromthe lower end toward the headlap zone, wherein the plurality of slotsdefines a plurality of tooth portions therebetween, wherein a first oneof the plurality of tooth portions has a first side that is defined by afirst one of the plurality of slots and a second side that is defined bya second one of the plurality of slots that is adjacent to the first oneof the plurality of slots,  wherein the first one of the plurality oftooth portions has a first width that is measured from the first one ofthe plurality of slots to the second one of the plurality of slots, wherein the first width is the photovoltaic cell width, wherein asecond one of the plurality of tooth portions has a first side that isdefined by a third one of the plurality of slots and a second side thatis defined by a fourth one of the plurality of slots that is adjacent tothe third one of the plurality of slots,  wherein the second one of theplurality of tooth portions has a second width that is measured from thethird one of the plurality of slots to the fourth one of the pluralityof slots, and  wherein the second width is the photovoltaic cell widthmultiplied by a first positive integer that is greater than 1, wherein athird one of the plurality of tooth portions has a first side that isdefined by a fifth one of the plurality of slots and a second side thatis defined by a sixth one of the plurality of slots that is adjacent tothe fifth one of the plurality of slots, wherein the third one of theplurality of tooth portions has a third width that is measured from thefifth one of the plurality of slots to the sixth one of the plurality ofslots, and  wherein the third width is the photovoltaic cell widthmultiplied by a second positive integer that is greater than 1 anddifferent than the first positive integer, wherein the roofing shinglesdo not include a photovoltaic cell.
 2. The roofing system of claim 1,wherein a fourth one of the plurality of tooth portions has a first sidethat is defined by a seventh one of the plurality of slots and a secondside that is defined by an eighth one of the plurality of slots that isadjacent to the seventh one of the plurality of slots, and wherein thefourth one of the plurality of tooth portions has a fourth width that ismeasured from the seventh one of the plurality of slots to the eighthone of the plurality of slots, wherein the fourth width is thephotovoltaic cell width multiplied by 0.5 and by a third positiveinteger that is, greater than 1 and different than each of the firstpositive integer and the second positive integer.
 3. The roofing systemof claim 1, wherein each of the first and second positive integers isselected from the group consisting of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and
 20. 4. The roofing system of claim1, wherein each of the at least some of the roofing shingles comprisesthermoplastic olefin, polyvinyl chloride, or asphalt.
 5. The roofingsystem of claim 4, wherein the top surface of each of the at least someof the roofing shingles comprises embedded granules.
 6. The roofingsystem of claim 1, wherein the plurality of roofing shingles includes afirst roofing shingle and a second roofing shingle, wherein anarrangement of the tooth portions of the second roofing shingle is notidentical to an arrangement of the tooth portions of the first roofingshingle.
 7. The roofing system of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofroofing shingles includes a first roofing shingle and a second roofingshingle, wherein an arrangement of the tooth portions of the secondroofing shingle is identical to an arrangement of the tooth portions ofthe first roofing shingle.
 8. The roofing system of claim 1, wherein thethird one of the plurality of slots is a same one of the plurality ofslots as the second one of the plurality of slots, and wherein the firstone of the plurality of tooth portions is adjacent to the second one ofthe plurality of tooth portions.
 9. The roofing system of claim 1,further comprising: a wireway configured to be positioned between afirst photovoltaic module of the plurality of photovoltaic modules and asecond photovoltaic module of the plurality of photovoltaic modules thatis adjacent to the first photovoltaic module, wherein the wireway isconfigured to enclose at least one electrical cable, wherein a width ofthe wireway as measured in a horizontal direction between the firstphotovoltaic module and the second photovoltaic module is thephotovoltaic cell width multiplied by two, wherein the wireway includesa dark colored portion and a light colored portion, and wherein thelight colored portion extends across the wireway in a vertical directionthat is perpendicular to the horizontal direction.
 10. The roofingsystem of claim 9, wherein the light-colored portion is positioned at anedge of the wireway that is adjacent to the photovoltaic module.
 11. Theroofing system of claim 9, wherein the light-colored portion ispositioned halfway intermediate (1) an edge of the wireway that isadjacent to the photovoltaic module and (2) an edge of the wireway thatis adjacent to the further photovoltaic module.
 12. The roofing systemof claim 9, wherein the wireway further comprises a further lightcolored portion extending across a bottom edge of the wireway in thehorizontal direction.